Labubu Is Getting a Movie

Labubu is getting the big screen treatment.

Sony Pictures has acquired screen rights to the Chinese brand and has set its sights on developing a feature film, and potentially a franchise, based on the ubiquitous very trendy dolls that became a pop culture fixation over the past year.

It remains unclear if the movie will be live-action or animated. The project remains in an extremely early stage, with no talent or producers attached at the time.

Designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and initially made by How2 Work as part of a line of monster figurines.

 The figurines first hit the market in 2015 but sales took off when Chinese retailer Pop Mart took over making and selling them in 2019.

It took a few years, but Labubus exploded in popularity recently for two main reasons.

One, the toys are available in a “blind-box” format, meaning the character purchased is a mystery until it is opened, which then also spurs demand.

The packaging strategy that has contributed to the product’s fiendish and occasionally intensely upcharged secondary market, where collectors pay exorbitant amounts to get the dolls they want online, at pop up sales and in traditional brick and mortar locations.

Limited edition artworks and auctions have seen items hit six figure prices.

The second factor was the celebrity endorsements, particularly Blackpink’s Lisa, who in 2024 used them as accessories, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, David Beckham and more have since been spotted with the figurines.

The toys became a sensation first in Southeast Asian markets before taking the rest of the world by storm.

Pop Mart’s profits reportedly soared by 350% earlier this year.

Labubu is the name of the lead monster doll of the line, which counts leader Zimomo, companion Mokoko, and boyfriend Tycoco as characters among others.

A Labubu movie would not be the first time Hollywood drew inspiration from the toy industry.

The animated LEGO Movie in 2014, was perhaps one of the first brand names without an already created storyline or even characters to see a successful major studio production, generating critical acclaim and box office ka-ching.

In 2023, the live-action Barbie accomplished a similar feat, generating over $1 billion at the worldwide box office while nabbing eight Oscar nominations.

It was recently announced that Sony and Mattel Films was developing a feature film based on Mattel’s View-Master 3D image toy.